Chapter One Hundred and Twelve: The Grand Scheme

Lan Ruoting’s face flushed, realizing that Wu Luohua had already seen through her thoughts. Guihai City was currently in turmoil; she had no confidence in wandering the streets alone with two “favorites” who possessed no spiritual power at all. So, as soon as Miss Yu left just now, she immediately released her spirit bird to summon Senior Sister and Seventh Senior Sister for backup. Although the two looked somewhat anxious, their affectionate demeanor remained unchanged. Lan Ruoting coquettishly said, “I won’t disturb Young Master Wu and Miss Gan’s sweet moment any longer. I’d better go count ants under the big tree nearby.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Wu Luohua replied. Although he had no personal opinion about Lan Ruoting, he felt a trace of dissatisfaction with the entire Yi Hua Sect. If it weren’t for the Lingjue Arena, the Yi Hua Sect wouldn’t have come, he wouldn’t have been captured, Master Mo wouldn’t have been distressed, and right now he might have been roaming the Jianghu with Gan Yu, Master Mo, and the little witch.

Wu Luohua silently nodded, acknowledging that his earlier attitude had been somewhat inappropriate. Then, he said to Lan Ruoting beneath the tree, “Lady, may I ask your surname? Are you hungry? I have a meat bun here.”

Inside the inn, Jiu Xi walked in somewhat absentmindedly, having failed to find the person he sought. Jiu Tong immediately approached him, saying, “Senior Brother, Uncle Yunfa said you weren’t feeling well. How are you now?”

Jiu Xi was momentarily stunned but then his expression darkened. “I’m fine? When did Uncle return?”

“Just now. But he asked me to tell you to come in. He said there are some details about tomorrow’s Lingjue Arena event that need to be discussed with you.”

Jiu Xi nodded, bypassed Jiu Tong, and entered the inner hall. There he saw Yunfa, who was seated as steady as a mountain. No wonder no news had come from the Hu Feng faction for so long. It turned out this old fellow understood that the most dangerous place was often the safest.

Just as Jiu Xi was about to speak, Master Yunfa said, “Xi’er.”

Jiu Xi was stunned. After what had happened earlier, for Yunfa to still address him so kindly—what was his intention? He quietly concealed one hand behind his back, subtly circulating spiritual energy, preparing for the worst.

Master Yunfa sighed helplessly, spreading his hands. “Xi’er, I don’t blame you. It’s this old man’s fault for meddling too much. This should be the domain of the young, yet I can’t help but interfere. Perhaps it’s because of my years in the Punishment Hall—I want to know everything, one way or another. But, I must admit, I’m getting old.”

Jiu Xi grew even more anxious. How could he have imagined that the venerable Master Yunfa would show remorse before him?

Master Yunfa continued, “Xi’er, the Lingjue Arena battle has enlightened me greatly. The Linglong Continent has been silent for sixty years; perhaps it’s time for change. Whether the Yuntian Sect will stand firm through this transformation is uncertain. But if we want Yuntian to endure for generations, we must spread its influence gradually. And you, Xi’er, are the hope of our next generation. I advise you, for Yuntian and for yourself, do not be too impatient. One day, the Yuntian Sect will belong to your generation.”

Master Yunfa’s earnest words caused Jiu Xi to slowly bring his hidden hand to the front. He was not swayed by the words alone but moved by the elder’s dedication to the greater cause of Yuntian.

“Uncle, rest assured, I will uphold Yuntian’s future and never let anyone threaten it,” Jiu Xi said firmly.

“Good, good. Rest early tonight. Beyond your last words, let’s pretend nothing else happened. Tomorrow, we will unleash the long-awaited power of Yuntian and lay some stones on the path ahead,” Master Yunfa said earnestly.

Looking at Master Yunfa’s figure, Jiu Xi felt for the first time that this uncle was growing old but still bore a heart devoted to Yuntian. He understood the master’s meaning—this time, helping the Yi Hua Sect through their crisis meant that if anyone opposed Yuntian next time, Yi Hua would surely not stand idly by. He silently praised Master Ku Zhi, truly far-sighted.

What he did not know was that the expressionless old man in the Cloud Peak Heavenly Palace bore his own sorrows.

At some unknown time, a gentle drizzle began to fall from the sky. The eastern horizon was already brightening, and the morning rain added a layer of mystery. The Red Forest Maiden and Xiao Xue raced along a narrow path in Guihai City, having both received Lan Ruoting’s signal.

While running, the Red Forest Maiden asked, “Snow, do you think Mo Bai coming to our side is good news? Is he really that important?”

Xiao Xue was startled but did not slow. “Senior Sister, I don’t think this person can be easily controlled. Even if we find Wu Luohua, it would at best help him a little. As for the favors he mentioned, forget about them.”

The Red Forest Maiden nodded quietly. Though she did not know what exactly had happened between Snow and Mo Bai, she did not ponder it now. After all, it was fortunate that Mo Bai had not been found by the people of Guihai City. Suddenly, her heart trembled sharply as she heard the sounds of a fight and a young woman’s sharp cry. She quickened her pace, recognizing Lan Ruoting’s voice—the little junior sister was in trouble!

Inside the Guihai Hall, Guihai Xin felt somewhat uneasy. The young man before him was exceptionally elegant, yet beneath that refined exterior lurked faint traces of killing intent. Hastily, he bowed and said, “I did not expect Young Master Qing to honor us with your presence. I apologize for my negligence.”

The visitors were the Shuguan Qing and the two brothers from the Xu family. Shuguan Qing politely replied, “Uncle Guihai, I hope you have been well. Qing’er apologizes for the sudden intrusion.”

Guihai Xin looked into the young man’s eyes and silently thought, “This fellow is certainly no ordinary person!”